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FAQ: High Tunnel Greenhouses
What is a high tunnel?
A high tunnel, sometimes called a high tunnel greenhouse or a “hoop house,” is a polyethylene, plastic or fabric covered greenhouse structure. High tunnels are often taller than standard greenhouses, with higher ground posts to raise the side walls.
What are high tunnels used for?
High tunnels are used to grow plants – including vegetables, fruits and cut flowers – directly in the ground, generally without heat. They allow for an extended growing season by protecting crops from the weather and enabling more control over the growing environment.
What is the difference between a high tunnel and a greenhouse?
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, a high tunnel comes with extended ground posts that create taller side walls. High tunnels are designed for growing crops in soil directly in the ground, as opposed to in planters or on tables as is often the case in a greenhouse. High tunnels are also typically unheated, where a greenhouse may have a more advanced environmental control system to control heating, cooling/ventilation and irrigation.
Learn more about the differences in high tunnels vs. greenhouses in our blog post.
What are the benefits of high tunnels?
High tunnels offer numerous benefits,the most impactful being the ability to extend the growing season. By shielding against the weather, farmers can plant earlier in the spring, harvest later in the fall, and even grow year-round through the winter.
In addition to season extension, other key benefits of high tunnels include:
- Larger harvests
- Better crop quality and more crop diversity
- Improved soil health
- More predictability in planting and harvest schedules
- More efficient irrigation, fertilization, weed control and pest control
- Low startup cost
Will a high tunnel stand up to heavy snow, wind and rain?
Yes – if you buy it from Rimol! Our high tunnels are engineered to be extremely durable and stand up to the harshest weather conditions in North America. Just ask our customers in Alaska! Our engineering meets International Building Codes and we include wind bracing kits with all high tunnels.
How can I secure NRCS funding for a new high tunnel?
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) operates programs that offer financial assistance for growers to purchase a high tunnel for their farm. The first step to securing an NRCS grant is to get in touch with Rimol and get a quote for a new high tunnel. Then, contact your state’s NRCS office – or Rimol can help you do so – to begin a discussion with your local NRCS representative.
More information on NRCS high tunnel cost share programs is available on our NRCS Resource Center.
How do I select the right high tunnel for my farm?
The best way to choose the right high tunnel is to work with Rimol’s knowledgeable sales representatives to design a customized greenhouse package. While many of our competitors will sell you a cookie cutter structure, we want our growers to be successful – and that means helping you choose the tunnel that’s tbest for you, based on your location and climate, what you are growing, your budget and other key factors.
Contact us today to get started!